Villa Kypseli, Sfinari, Crete  ****As featured in Conde¨ Nast 20 Affordable Villas****

The brief behind the highly original concept of Villa Kypseli was to offer a space and privacy not experienced in a more traditional Villa.  Thus, it is more a collection of living spaces, both inside and out and coincidentally a design well suited to the climate of an island situated at the very southern end of the med.

The contemporary accommodation is split into three separate spaces, all linked by a central decked courtyard, furnished for outside dining under its woven sailcloth canopy. The lovely 60sq m pool with children's pool fronts the Villa, bordered by terraced lawns.

The unique design of Villa Kypseli features a stand alone, open plan living space entered from the central courtyard.  The kitchen area has hidden within its run of sleek black kitchen units all the necessities of ceramic hob and oven, fridge freezer microwave and dishwasher.  The glass topped dining table, the sumptuous L shaped sofa, the plasma screen satellite TV  all sit on shining white granite floors and between mellow stone walls in an uncluttered minimalist style. Simply enormous sliding glass doors open almost directly onto the pool and a large picture window connects this room with the central courtyard.

Sharing a completely separate residence on the opposite side of this courtyard, three bedrooms have sea views through their glass sliding doors and direct access to the swimming pool terraces for that early morning dip. The double bedroom has a lovely ensuite bathroom with hydro massage bath and the two twin bedrooms share a smart shower room with hydro massage shower. There is a washing machine in this bathroom.

Climb the staircase from the courtyard and you ascend above the sail cloth roof to enter the opulent territory of the fourth, double bedroom where room-wide sliding glass doors open onto a balcony furnished with modern rattan style furniture and front row, dress circle seats for the regular evening sunset performance. This bedroom is particularly light and spacious and offers not only a good nights sleep but also the ultimate bathing experience by courtesy of the double hydro massage bath, shaped for two and with unhindered sea view. There is a separate ensuite WC with wash basin.

A 200m stroll through the olive groves brings you to a pretty little shingle and sand beach backed by tamarisk trees under which six tavernas position their tables and serve the freshest of fish dishes. Walking a similar distance in the opposite direction you will arrive in the tiny village of Sfinari with simple shops and a further 3 tavernas. The long sandy beach of Falassarna is a 15 mins drive away. Boat trips from the harbour town of Kastelli, 20 mins drive away can be taken to the truly beautiful beach at Balos.

Tucked away amongst the olive groves and with a matchless view,  a distant tiny island playing peek a boo, as it appears and disappears  on the ocean, guests at Villa Kypseli will experience complete immersion in this simple and spectacular natural haven, albeit in  rather flamboyant manner.

Sfinari, Crete
17km from Kastelli, betwixt the rugged mountains and the endless blue sea, on the very far western tip of Crete, Sfinari nestles in the folds of olive green hillsides, a haphazard scattering of little white houses and with a main street somewhat shorter than the braking distance of the local bus from Kastelli, which invariably grinds to a halt beyond the last house! ...More about Sfinari >>